The New York State Assembly and Senate will proclaim Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 as “Sock Out Cancer Day” in the state of New York. Sock Out Cancer is a community effort to benefit families of those battling cancer. The joint resolution commemorates the 2nd Annual Sock Out Cancer Day in conjunction with this year's Sock Out Cancer benefit concerts featuring William Close and The Earth Harp Collective taking place at the Palace Theatre in Albany on May 8, 2018, and at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton on May 11, 2018. Proceeds from the concerts will benefit financially distressed cancer patients being treated by Albany Med and St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, and by UHS and Lourdes Hospital in Greater Binghamton. Last year, over $160,000 was raised in the fight against cancer. To show support and help spread awareness on Sock Out Cancer Day, members of the New York State Senate and Assembly showed their support by wearing multi-colored socks, with each color representing the various forms of cancer diagnoses. Sock Out Cancer supports cancer survivors, patients, and families by recognizing the emotional, mental, and financial burden that is put on families touched by cancer. This initiative provides individuals with non-medical financial assistance for living expenses such as rent or mortgages, groceries, transportation, and much more to help ease everyday struggles. In an effort to engage the community, individuals can show their support and help spread awareness by purchasing multi-colored socks. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and the physical, emotional, and financial strain this disease can cause,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “I’m proud to work with Senator Akshar and all our community partners to do our part to help ease the burden cancer places on families across the state. We’re hoping to build on the success of last year’s Sock Out Cancer campaign and we once again challenge our colleagues in legislatures across the country to bring this campaign to their communities as well.” “I'm proud to represent a community that shows generosity, compassion, and endless support to those in need,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “Assemblywoman Lupardo and I are challenging state legislatures across the country to get involved and partner with their communities to help out the families of cancer survivors.” Studies have shown that approximately 39.6% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes. National expenditures for cancer care in the U.S currently cost approximately $125 billion and are projected to increase to $158 billion by 2020 (The National Cancer Institute). A non-profit created by Security Mutual Life Insurance Company President and CEO Bruce Boyea, Sock Out Cancer plans to continue partnering with existing charitable organizations to support cancer patients and their families in their time of financial need. Those charitable organizations will receive grants to support and develop programs that identify and support financially distressed families that are fighting cancer. Additional community events are being planned to raise funds and awareness, and the net proceeds from the sale of Sock Out Cancer merchandise will be used to support cancer families. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Senate and Assembly for sponsoring Sock Out Cancer,” said Security Mutual Life Chairman, President and CEO Bruce W. Boyea. “Security Mutual founded Sock Out Cancer to help individuals and families who are fighting cancer while at the same time struggling to meet basic financial needs. By providing financial assistance for things like transportation, groceries and rent or mortgage, Sock Out Cancer helps these patients put all their energy into winning their battle against cancer. We are honored that the foundations of both St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Care Center and the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med are partnering with Sock Out Cancer to deliver this financial assistance to their patients in need. We also thank the many businesses and individuals who are sponsoring the benefit concert on May 8. We encourage everyone to attend this concert: you are in for a great show, and you will be helping a lot of people in the Capital District.” “On behalf of the Senate and the Assembly, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Boyea family, Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Visions Federal Credit Union, Capital Bank, SEFCU, Tri City Rentals and all our community partners for the time and effort that is spent helping those in need,” said Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “Let’s continue to work together as we Sock Out Cancer.” Concert Information: May 8th at 8pm
The Palace Theatre
19 Clinton Ave., Albany May 11th at 8pm
The Broome County Forum
236 Washington St, Binghamton Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or through the Palace Theatre and Broome County Forum box offices. For more information, please visit the Sock Out Cancer Web site.